EVELYN FERN RICHAUD (THORKELSON)

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EVELYN FERN RICHAUD
(THORKELSON)

Our world lost a beloved mother, grandmother, GGma, sister, auntie, cousin and dear friend on March 3, 2021. Evelyn, peacefully passed, with family thankfully at her side, at Seven Oaks Hospital (Winnipeg, MB) after a two and a half month illness.
Mom was young at heart, vibrant and strong, despite her 90 years (Born June 25, 1930). She often would say "heck no, I'm much too young for that" or "I can't go yet, I still have lots to do". She had an amazing zest for life! She had faced many health issues, cancer, stroke and multiple broken bones, with strength, courage and a determination to overcome such injuries and remain independent.
Mom grew up at Deerhorn, born to parents, Bjorn (Barney) and Juliette Thorkelson (Henrotte), the fourth child in a family of one brother and four sisters. She "graduated" Deerhorn School completing her Grade 10 through correspondence. Mom valued education. She was proud of her children's and grandkids' achievements in life; we appreciated her encouragement, as we made our way.
Our parents loved singing, dancing, to travel by car, curling and social time with relatives and friends. All were welcomed at their home. We girls fondly remember dedicated family time on Sunday afternoons with sing songs, card or board games or visiting our cousins. In retirement years, Mom and Dad did a lot of fishing. Mom was a Master Angler despite denying that she "liked" fishing. She did, however, get much enjoyment from those trips that they shared with many friends and relatives.
Mom married Hermas Richaud (her long-time schoolmate) in April 1951. She worked alongside Dad on their farm, taking on any and all farm duties in addition to parenting her three girls and being responsible for "everything household and yard" and tending her huge garden. For much of those farm years, dairying was part of their farm life; Mom milked cows and delivered milk to town. Mom had many skills and enjoyments. She loved a good joke! She taught herself to play organ and guitar in her 60s, when her duties to farm and family decreased. Mom was a "songwriter" who delighted in composing hilarious songs for family and friends for their special occasions.
We grew up with much love modelled to us and shared in the things Mom did for us, knitting, sewing, baking, cooking, canning, etc. We often sported matching outfits she had sewed. Remember the matching "Tony perms"! She encouraged us in learning and music and shared her wisdom of life. She taught us good manners, respect, strong moral values and the value of selfless giving - to us, to others and to Dad through his extended illness. She made contributions to her community delivering Meals on Wheels, visiting people in need of a visit, and at St. Olaf's sharing music, teaching catechism and in Auxiliary endeavours like bazaars, teas and Christmas celebrations. She shared both her musical talents and her "acting" abilities in her church and broader community, entertaining with friends at the nearby Personal Care Home. Lundar will long remember their own "Minnie Pearl" at the New Horizon Talent Shows!
Family gatherings always happened at Grandma's house at Christmas and sometimes in summer - that wonderful feeling of being together. Mom dearly loved her grandchildren, she often "Grandma sat" them while we girls went to work or had them for sleepovers every weekend. She always cherished the times she spent with them. We last gathered last June for Mom's 90th birthday - a wonderful day together that she (and we) always treasured.
Evelyn was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Hermas in 2005, her parents, Bjorn and Juliette Thorkelson (and her mother's second husband Boji Jonasson), her brother Edwin and her sister Ruth Clarke/Jeffers.
Mom is survived by her three daughters - Bonnie (Cam) Walden of Red Deer, AB; Wendy (Ken) Sweetland of Lundar (Deerhorn), MB, Debra (Randy) Surgenor of Winnipeg and "unofficially adopted" daughter Valerie (Fred) Revet of Lundar, 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Luella Erickson of Winnipeg and Doreen (Raymond) Duncan of Eriksdale, numerous nieces, nephews and families and many friends. Our MOM, Grandma, Great-Grandma, sister and MAMMA "will always and forever hold a special place in our hearts".
Cremation has taken place, according to her wishes, with service and interment at later date.
Memorial donations (in lieu of flowers) may be made for Abbeyville Cemetery upgrades to: St. Olaf's Parish, Box 704, Lundar, MB R0C 1Y0.

Arrangements by:
ARNASON FUNERAL HOME
Ashern - Lundar
1.204.768.2072
1.866.323.3593

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 13, 2021